Ubisoft Insists Assassin's Creed Shadows Preorders are 'Tracking Solidly,' In Line With Odyssey

Ubisoft confidently reports strong preorder numbers for Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite a challenging development and marketing cycle. Their latest financial report indicates preorders are on par with Assassin's Creed Odyssey, a top performer in the franchise.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot reinforces this optimism, emphasizing the company's complete focus on the March 20th launch. Early previews have been generally favorable, highlighting the compelling narrative, immersive gameplay, and the effective use of dual protagonists. Guillemot praised the development team's dedication to delivering the franchise's most ambitious installment yet.

Originally slated for a November release, Assassin's Creed Shadows faced two delays, landing finally on March 20th. The game carries significant weight for Ubisoft, representing the long-awaited Japan setting, the first full Assassin's Creed title since 2020, and a crucial opportunity to overcome recent underperformance and investor concerns.

The game's marketing campaign has been marred by several controversies. The development team issued apologies for historical inaccuracies in its depiction of Japan and unauthorized use of a historical recreation group's imagery. Furthermore, a collectible statue was pulled from sale due to its insensitive design. These setbacks, coupled with the delays, have understandably fueled fan impatience.